ABE Software and Application Upgrade

Sources Sought Notice

Arboretum Botanical Explorer (ABE) and associated mobile app upgrade

Sources Sought #1137385-SS

This is a Sources Sought notice Only.  This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.  This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ.

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 established the position of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CIO implements the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 and the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 regarding the acquisition, management, and use of information technology (IT) resources; manages United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) compliance with the Computer Security Act of 1987, the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA), Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7 of December 17, 2003, and Presidential Decision Directive 63 of May 22, 1998, Critical Infrastructure Protection; and implements the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-130, Management of Federal Information Resources. The CIO serves as the principal advisor to the Agency on information resources and information systems management and strives to improve the operations and service delivery of ARS's programs through the effective use of technology. The CIO directs ARS's Office of the CIO (OCIO), which supports these activities.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) requires contractor assistance to update its existing plant finder and interactive map that provides visitors and staff with searchable access to plant collections at the USNA. Users touch a screen to locate various plants on the grounds which are then mapped to show where they are located. The Arboretum has developed seasonal tours to enhance the user experience on the grounds while reducing the need to print brochures. The ABE was last updated in 2020, the app in 2018. Although ABE is partially usable, without images, the app is no longer AppStore compliant and isn’t available to staff or visitors. Neither ABE or the app can pull, and display images and needs to be updated.

2.0 Period of Performance

The period of performance: One Year from date of award.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

The contractor will perform the following tasks as a part of this engagement:

1. Update ABE 1.1 Restore images in gallery and popups. 1.2 Update to current version of the ArcGIS 2. Restore mobile app (images, general AppStore compliance, ability to use latest version of Google Analytics)

2.1 Update in the stores, Google Play and Apple. 2.2 Fix images and update the application in AppStudio QT. This ensures the application can be downloaded on newer devices and looks appropriate on all devices and screen sizes.

3. Other Deliverables.

3.1 Deliver source code updates to a USDA-managed GitHub repository at the end of each sprint before deployment or at least monthly

3.2 Access the repository using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and via a secure method to be provided by the Mission Area (MA)

3.3 Annotate all code and resolves all coding conflicts prior to attempting release

3.4 Ensure a shippable version of the code is submitted to the repository at least once per sprint

3.5 Update and submit instructions and explanatory documentation related to the project at least quarterly

3.6 Destroy all copies of the repository once the final product has been delivered and approved

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Key Deliverables

Two weeks after award of contract

5.0 Government Furnished

All work performed for this contract shall be done using Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). All code developed for this project shall be stored in a source code repository designated by the contracting officer representative (COR). Application code, data, and other artifacts developed, generated, or used as a part of this contract effort must be stored only on USDA GFE and/or USDA information systems as approved by the contracting officer representative (COR).

This Sources Sought is only for the purpose of identifying potential sources as part of USDA ARS market research. The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.  

The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources including any Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; or small disadvantaged businesses. Please state if you are a large business or a small business according to the NAICS code listed in this Sources Sought.

All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response defines how it can specifically meet the specifications for the items requested.  Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.  After reviewing the responses received, a Combined Synopsis solicitation notice may be published on Sam.gov.

Submit ALL the Following in order to be a valid response to this Sources Sought Notice:

1. Capability Statement and/or product descriptions that demonstrate your ability to meet all of the specific requirements, including Company Contact Info.
2. SAM.gov UEI Number.
3. Identify if you are a Large business or a Small business with NACIS 541519.

Original Point of Contact: All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by August 26, 2024, by 9:00 AM PDT, the specified due date and time to be considered. 

Email responses to Elizabeth Wilson at Elizabeth.Wilson2@usda.gov.

Responses will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry.

Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.